Old Ursuline Convent

On the lesser known Chartres Street stands an imposing stone structure with impressive portico called the Old Ursuline Convent. Considered to be among the oldest buildings in the Mississippi Valley, the current building is newer than the original building which was initially built as a half-timbered house. It is built in French neo-classical style of architecture with accent on symmetry and almost negligible ornamentation. It was used by the Sisters of Ursula who arrived from France in the mid 18th century and used it as a nunnery. It has the distinction of being the first ever nunnery in Louisiana. It was also here that they ran the first Catholic school, first orphanage as well as the first school for Indian and Black children.